Episode 38 – Garrett Boorojian and Scott Howard-Cooper discuss relationship building in a team environment.
Scott Howard-Cooper | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster (simonandschuster.com)
Scott’s next book is arriving in the Spring of 2024: “Kingdom on Fire: Kareem, Wooden, Walton, and the Turbulent Days of the UCLA Basketball Dynasty.” Garrett interviewed Scott about his latest book, “Steve Kerr: A Life,” that was published back in 2021.
Steve Kerr is a 5x NBA Champion Player (Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs) and 4x NBA Champion Head Coach (Golden State Warriors). Steve is one of the Top 15 Coaches in NBA History.
“Steve Kerr is a perfect example of relationship building.” – Scott Howard–Cooper, Author of “Steve Kerr: A Life.”
Scott and Steve have known each other since the 1980s. Scott explained to Garrett how “relationship building… came to fruition with this book.”
How Scott pitched his book about Steve to his publisher: “It’s the story of a guy with a unique career but a fascinating life.”
Scott talked to Garrett about the social issues that Steve cares about, Steve’s father’s tragic passing, and how all of those factors have had a monumental impact on Steve’s life – Hall of Famers Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich have, and the late Hall of Famer Lute Olson had, also impacted Steve’s life.
Scott said that Steve had an interest in being a head coach as early as high school and college. As Scott stated: “He thought that was his destiny.”
Scott explained that Steve never thought he would have an NBA career as a player last as long as it did in comparison to what Steve originally contemplated when he first started his NBA career. Scott said that Steve lacked confidence in his playing days but was able to overcome that obstacle.
Scott also talked about Steve’s close relationships with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and John Paxson – Steve admired John’s role on the team. Scott said that Steve’s infamous fight with Michael in one of their Bulls’ practices, ironically, brought them closer together as friends.
Scott pointed out that Michael saw a unique quality in Steve that Michael also saw in himself, but didn’t see from other Bulls’ players, which was a lack of fear. Steve was very competitive and wasn’t afraid of Michael’s intensity and tough personality.
Scott discussed Steve’s thought process regarding becoming the head coach of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, instead of the NBA’s New York Knicks. Steve’s experience as the General Manager of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns validated his interest to be a head coach instead of continuing as a GM.
Scott highlighted Steve’s strengths as a coach, such as his “attitude” and “preparation” amongst other attributes.
By writing his book, “Steve Kerr: A Life,” Scott’s professional relationship with Steve dramatically changed due to the fact that Steve was not happy the book was about his life. Scott said Steve’s concern about how the Warriors would view Steve, especially in the locker room, once Scott’s book was released, never materialized into a problem. Scott added that Steve winning another championship proved that he, meaning Steve, was still held in very high regard despite Scott’s book.
Scott closed with his professional career, the legendary John Wooden and the UCLA Basketball dynasty, and that “awareness” is essential to relationship building too.